First of all, the doctor notes that in the norm there should be no low back pain at all:
If the pain syndrome occurs infrequently - for example after lifting weights, exercising or uncomfortable position - this is a variant of the norm. But if the pain occurs regularly - every time after sitting in an uncomfortable chair - this is a reason to be careful and look for the cause.
With pain that occurs once every six months or a year only after traumatic factors, you can not rush to the doctor. But if the pain syndrome becomes chronic or goes into a stronger phase and then returns to the lungs, this is already a reason to contact a specialist. The neurologist adds:
In addition, the reason for making an appointment with a specialist may be a single but acute pain that occurred for no reason, as well as a sharp increase in pain syndrome. Especially if the pain radiates to the legs or other parts of the body. This may be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations: loss of sensitivity, "skin itching", burning sensation. In such cases you should see a doctor.
Why can my lower back hurt?
According to the doctor, a common cause is myofascial pain syndrome, ie pain associated with unusual muscle tension in the lumbar region.
The pathological muscular syndrome appears precisely because we sit uncomfortably, exercise, lift weights - says the doctor. As a result, the muscles spasm. But more often there is compression of the root in the spine - this is a different, neuronal, nature of the pain.
The neurologist explains that the roots leave the spinal cord and extend to various parts of the body, including the lower back. And when there is pressure on these nerves, the pain can begin to be felt in different parts of the body: in the thighs and coccyx, the sacrum and even the abdomen.
The third option is the pathology of the internal organs. These can be problems with the kidneys, intestines and in the urological or gynecological part. In this case, back pain acts as a signal for the presence of other diseases.
In addition, we add that the pain itself is of two types: nociceptive (ie inflammatory) and neuropathic.
The first is associated with inflammation in muscle fibers - it manifests itself in the syndrome of myofascial pain and is associated with a traumatic factor. This pain is usually dull, pulling with a rise in local temperature when the lower back is hot to the touch.
Neuropathic pain manifests itself in different ways: it is a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, cold, decreased sensitivity. Even a small injection in the lumbar region can make the pain worse. If you experience such symptoms, see a neurologist immediately. And in general, the answer to the question of which doctor to go for back pain is simple: a neurologist.
Can pain be managed at home?
Some people believe that the problem of low back pain will be solved by replacing the chair. The neurologist is sure: it is always easier to see a doctor.
Of course, you can change your chairs more comfortably one by one. But that may not be the case. Although you should have a comfortable office chair for work anyway, it would be nice to get up every two hours and give yourself a little physical activity: bend over, bend over to change the position of your lower back.
A pillow or roller placed under the back works on a similar principle:
We sat down as usual, then put on a pillow. We stayed in this position for a while - they removed it again, - advises the neurologist. - Such lumbar support is also useful. You can change the tilt angle of the monitor, including moving it slightly to the right, slightly to the left. In this way the load changes - both in the lower back and in the chest and neck.
If you need to alleviate the condition right now, the doctor draws attention to the fact that only dry heat should be used to treat lumbar pain:
In this situation, under no circumstances should you go to a hot bath. But electric and salt heating pads (in the form of bags that grandmothers made) help a lot. Various applicators will also work. These are carpets with needles: if you lie on them, then muscle tone will disappear.
For this, the doctor advises to connect a short course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and use a topical anti-inflammatory ointment:
If you have done all this and the pain is gone in 3-4 days, no problem, you could say. If the pain does not go away, there are no more options: you should definitely go to the doctor.